Is your dinner table a battlefield? You aren't alone. But your child isn't doomed to a diet of white bread and chicken nuggets -- there's hope. Kids are more likely to try foods that they had a hand in cooking.

Is your dinner table a battlefield? You aren't alone. But your child isn't doomed to a diet of white bread and chicken nuggets -- there's hope. Kids are more likely to try foods that they had a hand in cooking.

With the holidays fast approaching, you want to keep your pets in mind as you begin creating a festive atmosphere.

Owning a cat or dog is a joy, but like with most joyful things in life, taking care of them requires a bit of sacrifice. With the holidays fast approaching, you want to keep your pets in mind as you begin creating a festive atmosphere.

The holidays are all about opening your doors and welcoming friends and family. But along with hostess gifts, your guests may also bring sniffle-causing viruses and colds.

The holidays are all about opening your doors and welcoming friends and family. But along with hostess gifts, your guests may also bring sniffle-causing viruses and colds.

By Peg RosenFrom Ideas That Spark

You're expecting guests, and it seems like you've been rolling cookies and baking pies for a month straight -- and there are still more desserts to churn out. Why not take a break from the oven and keep things simple? "In truth, some of the most elegant desserts -- like fresh fruit with a champagne zabaglione sauce -- don't involve baking or much actual cooking at all. All it takes is a little creativity," says Lauren Chattman, author of the newly released book Cookie Swap!

Here, some super-quick, simple no-bake desserts to put you on everyone's sweet side.

Shortbread Cuties

"Walkers Shortbread is a very high-quality, all-butter cookie that makes a great, ready-made base for all kinds of desserts," says Chattman. To make her shortbread cuties:

1. Dip each cookie in melted semisweet chocolate chips.

2. Roll in bits of a crushed Heath Bar.

3. Chill cuties on wax paper, then place on a platter and serve.

Drunken Pears

Elegant and light, poached pears are a great way to use up those half-empty bottles of holiday wine.

3. Chill for about 4 hours. Then, portion into pretty bowls and garnish with chocolate shavings and chopped hazelnuts. Or, top with golden-brown marshmallows you've run under the broiler on a baking sheet.

Peg Rosen has contributed to numerous magazines and websites, including More, Self, Redbook, Real Simple, Parents, Family Circle, American Baby, ParentCenter.com and WebMD.com. She blogs at Relish-This.Blogspot.com.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.